Reminiscing Memories

*Pandora’s POV*

I just pulled into the airport whenever I stepped out. Niall told me they would be waiting inside so they could avoid the pap. I walked in, looking around to find the boys. Normally it wouldn’t be hard, with how loud they usually were, but this was different.

“Pan!” I heard. I stopped walking, turning to see four boys walking towards me.

I watched as Niall dropped his carry-on bag to the floor and run over, pulling me into a hug. “I’m sorry about what happened.”

I was too shocked to say anything, so I just wrapped my arms around him in response. Harry was next to come over, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you guys for coming.” I said, sniffing some as Niall pulled back. “Haze will appreciate it.”

“Is Liam with her?” Zayn asked.

“Yeah.” I answered. He nodded a little to himself, as if he was expecting it. “Come on. Let’s go.”

We started walking, leaving the airport. “Man, it’s gotten colder since we’ve left…” Louis noted.

“And wetter.” Harry added.

They crowded into the SUV. I took the driver’s seat and Zayn climbed up in the front. “Where are we headed?” Niall asked from the back.

“Well, Liam and Haze are in the hotel room. So we’ll head there.”

“Looks like we’ll be staying for a couple days, huh?” Someone spoke up.

“At least until after the funeral…” I heard Harry sigh. “Man, I seriously feel bad for her.”

“We just have to help her through it.” I said from the driver’s seat. “She’s a strong girl and as long as we’re with her, she can make it through this.”

“With her being the only one related to her mom, doesn’t she have to plan the funeral though?” Zayn asked.

I didn’t even think to that yet. “Yeah, I guess.”

“That’s horrible. She’s already lost her mother, she’s in no shape to do that!” Louis spat.

“Perhaps we can take over?” Harry suggested.

The boys were silent. They were looking at me for an answer. I shrugged. “It may be a big help to her.”

“How long do we have?” Zayn asked.

“No longer than a week.”

The boys sighed. “Her mom…” Niall started. “We only met her once at the hospital, but she was such a kind woman. She always kept a warm smile and it was enough for Haze to think that everything was going to be alright. Ms. Morgan really was sweet and hard working.”

“We should make the funeral… well, not fun but not depressing either.” Zayn said. “We should have Hazel cherish the memories she had in the past with her mother so she doesn’t have to focus on the day she died.”

“You think she’ll have sketches?” Louis asked. “Of her family anyways?”

“Yeah.” I answered for him. “I’ve been through some of her drawings.”

“Well, for now let’s just stay with her. She needs her friends.” Harry said.

That was something we could all agree on. The rest of the ride was silent as I neared the hotel. Once there, we all got out and the guys went in to check into a room. I made my way up to Liam’s room, glad I took his keycard before leaving. I slid it through, peeking my head in. I heard nothing but silence and I crept in, checking the bed.

Liam was laid flat on his back on the bed, over the covers spread out. Hazel’s head was resting on his chest, arm relaxing over his stomach and chest. Liam had one arm behind his head under a pillow whilst the other rested around Hazel. They were both sound asleep. If I had to say anything, it was probably the cutest thing I’ve seen yet with these two.

“Hey- Whoa.” I heard Niall come up beside me. “Was not expecting to see that.”

“What are we staring at?” Louis asked, coming in. “Holy…”

“Sh!” I scolded. “Let them sleep, they’ve been up half the night.”

“Makes me wonder though.” Louis said. “Perhaps they’ve gotten closer since we’ve been gone?”

“I wouldn’t hold it past them.” Niall said. “Come on, jet lag is really killing me and I want to sleep.”

The boys left, leaving me alone. I looked back at the two figures sleeping peacefully on the bed. If anyone could get Hazel past this, I knew Liam could. These past few weeks the two of them have been closer in friendship – closer than what I could call our own bond. It was strange how the two of them connected so easily, but relaxing at the same time.

Hazel was my best friend, and I remembered how it used to be just the two of us. Now, it wasn’t just us, but Liam, Niall, Zayn, Louis, and Harry. These boys were our friends now. Hell, they flew an eight hour flight down here the moment they heard the news. They were true friends, and that was something I would never take for granted. At least, not with these boys.

I walked over to the couch, sitting down. I guess with all the silence now, I could think. Well, that was, if I could. What was I supposed to think about? My best friend’s mother just died, making her an orphan. Not only that, but I wasn’t even there whenever it happened. It made me angry. Of all people, why did all of this have to happen to her? I wanted to change everything. I wanted to take all of Hazel’s problems and give them to myself. Why can’t God give her a break? What did she ever do to deserve all of this?

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. It was an alarm for work. I sighed, I guess the reality of my problems will never be solved either. I had a job to go to, and I couldn’t afford to just waste a day. I had a shift from 8 to 2. I didn’t want to leave my friend, but I knew I couldn’t just ditch my job either.

I stood up, I guess I better head back to my house and get ready. I sighed as I went to the door, opening it. Standing there was Niall with a fist raised. “Oh… uh, hi.” He said, slowly bringing his arm down.

“Hi…” I said.

“Um, actually, I kind of felt bad just leaving you here. Do you want to hang out in my room?” He asked.

“I thought you wanted to sleep.”

“Yeah, I did, but I can’t really sleep.”

“Well, I have to go to work.” I said, stepping out and pulling the door shut.

“Oh… well, shoot.” Niall sighed.

I hesitated before I said it, but somehow I couldn’t let the suggestion just pass by. “You wanna come?”

“Can I?” He asked, perking up some.

“Just don’t fall asleep where someone can trip over you.” I smiled a little.

“Nice! Oh, um, will it be okay? With the others, I mean?” He asked, looking at the closed door behind me.

“It’s your choice. Come if you want.” I said as I began to walk.

“Wait up!” He called out, jogging to catch up to me.

I shook my head. I wasn’t sure what was with him. He was obviously tired, so why didn’t he just go to his room and sleep?

I guess I wouldn’t worry about it now. I had other issues to deal with.